It started with the Carolina Panthers' selection of Heisman trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton with the first overall pick. Then the Atlanta Falcons quickly followed with the most aggressive trade in the draft to go up and get Alabama receiver Julio Jones with the sixth pick.

The New Orleans Saints made their own waves later in the first round, trading up to get Alabama tailback Mark Ingram just minutes after they drafted Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan.

Then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have landed the biggest steal in the draft when Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers fell to them in Round 2 because of concerns about the health of his knee. If not for the medical question marks, Bowers might have been drafted in the top five overall.

Here's a recap of the new additions made by the Saints' NFC South foes through the first five rounds, plus a quick recap of how they'll be affected in the 2011 season:

OUTLOOK: Though it's debatable whether or not the Falcons paid too much in their trade for Jones, there's no denying they will be a more difficult foe for the Saints in 2012 because of his presence. Like the Saints, the Falcons feel like they have a chance to win a Super Bowl this year, and they're going all in to win during their window of opportunity.

They were already a multi-dimensional team with quarterback Matt Ryan, tailback Michael Turner, receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Now they're even more dynamic. And fifth-round pick Jacquizz Rodgers, a small but explosive tailback, could also make an impact on that offense as a rookie role player.

OUTLOOK: The Buccaneers drafted Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn in Round 1, then Bowers in the second, giving them a much more potent pass rush than they had in 2010, when they tied for 30th in the NFL with 26 sacks.

They also added linebacker Mason Foster, a highly-rated prospect who could compete for a starting job as a rookie. That will instantly improve Tampa Bay's chances against the high-powered Saints offense.

OUTLOOK: Carolina's on more of a long-term building plan, and Newton may take time to develop, but he's a unique offensive weapon who could pose problems for the Saints by the end of the year. The Saints host the Panthers in Week 17, and there's a strong chance Newton will have gotten settled in the starting job by then.